David Jason to reunite with cast of Only Fools And Horses for documentary series
Two-part series Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive will show scenes that were ‘filmed but never broadcast’.
Sir David Jason is to reunite with cast members from beloved sitcom Only Fools And Horses for a new documentary series.
Celebrating the show’s 45th anniversary, Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive will air behind-the-scenes footage as well as material that the series producer said was “filmed but never broadcast”.
The sitcom, which was a ratings powerhouse for the BBC, first aired on September 8 1981 and proved to be a career-defining role for Sir Jason, who played Del Boy, and Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played his brother Rodney.
Sir David, 85, said: “The love for Only Fools has never faded. It’s incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts.
“Revisiting these rediscovered moments reminded me just how special the show was – and still is. It’s incredible to be able to share them now.”
The two-part series features interviews with cast and crew and includes archival material from more than 10 classic episodes, including The Jolly Boys’ Outing and Mother Nature’s Son.
In interviews, cast members including Sir David, Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra) and Sue Holderness (Marlene) pay tribute to creator John Sullivan, who died in 2011 at the age of 64.
There is also new material from the episodes He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Uncle, Mother Nature’s Son, Time On Our Hands, and an unseen opening scene of Del and Rodney in a nightclub from The Class Of ’62.
Clips have been digitally scanned and restored from 16mm negatives, meaning the cast appear in high definition.
Sean Doherty, director and series producer, said: “Few shows have the kind of enduring popularity that Only Fools enjoys.
“The archive has uncovered some extraordinary material – 66 unseen clips and scenes so far that were filmed but never broadcast because they didn’t fit the timing or structure of the original episodes, plus nearly 100 assets from rushes and location filming.
“We’ve truly been spoilt for choice.”
Helen Nightingale, UKTV’s head of factual and factual entertainment, commissioning, said: “Only Fools And Horses is part of the national DNA.
“With its humour, heart and unforgettable characters, it’s British comedy at its very best.
“This series is a celebration of its legacy and a chance to share new discoveries with the fans who’ve loved it for decades.”
In 2019 a musical adaptation of Only Fools And Horses starring Paul Whitehouse opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and it toured across the UK and Ireland in 2024 and 2025.
The sitcom featured the colourful escapades of market trader Del Boy and his less streetwise younger brother Rodney as they went through the highs and lows of life trying to become rich.
The characters lived in Peckham with Grandad, played by Leonard “Lennard” Pearce, and their friends included Trigger, played by Roger Lloyd Pack, and Boycie, played by John Challis.
The new series will be airing on U&GOLD in 2026.
